Former Commissioner Sonny Varnell Dies 

Huckabee praised Varnell, 64 when he was appointed to the AGFC, for his knowledge and love for the state’s fish and wildlife resources.

“Sonny Varnell and I have spent many hours fishing together on the Arkansas River, Bull Shoals Lake, Lake Ouachita and numerous other lakes and streams across this state” Huckabee said.

The two became friends when Huckabee lived in Pine Bluff during 1980-86.

“Because of his background as an engineer, Sonny is analytical when it comes to looking at problems and how to solve them,” Huckabee said. “He’s also one of the most even-tempered people I’ve ever known. He loves this state.”

Some of the highlights of Varnell’s term on the Commission include the beginning of the Youth Shooting Sports Program, the establishment of Moro Big Pine Natural Area WMA in Calhoun County and construction of four nature centers.

At its November 2008 meeting, the AGFC voted to name part of Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area in Varnell’s honor. The property on the east side of the WMA was dubbed Sonny Varnell Richland Valley Elk Conservation Area.

Sanford Lee “Sonny” Varnell Jr. was born Feb. 2, 1939, at Lake Dick (Jefferson County) and grew up in Pine Bluff. He graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1957, attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello for two years and graduated with a BA in mechanical engineering from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1963.

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